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History Center Reopening After Annual Revamp

The Northern Mariposa County History Center will be reopening its doors to the public on Thursday, Feb. 8, with a similar schedule as in 2017: Thursday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus Memorial Day and Labor Day. The center is at 10301 State Highway 49 in Coulterville.

The Gala Reopening preview taking place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3 is themed Sierra Treasures. It will boast a silent Flora and Fauna art auction featuring works donated by local artists: Lynn Breshears, Dave Conway, Jan DeShera, Andra Ericksen, Al Golub, Rebecca Harvey, Lana Jones, Miriam Jones, Maryanna Kingman, Jim Leitzell, Tessa Milani, Cindy Zozaya, Pam Fondse, Theresa Henman and Sonia Henman. All but the latter three also have works featured in the 2018 Local Flora and Fauna display. Both the auction and display feature works of photography, watercolor, oil painting, sculpture, pyrography and weaving. There will also be some great additional non-art items available at the silent auction.

This year the funds raised at this important kick-off event will be the seed dollars for the new fund created to cover the costs of major renovations needed in the recently donated Barrett wing and surrounding grounds. A fundraising goal will be set once the Board finishes up with an initial assessment of the building’s condition.

In addition to the new displays and silent auction there will be live music, wine, hot cider, a basket raffle and lots of fun. The wine has all been donated by local Mariposa County Wineries: Silver Fox Vineyards; Casto Oaks Winery; and Butterfly Creek Winery. Tickets are $15 each. To obtain some, just call and leave your name and address on the NMCHC phone, 209-878-3015.

Three exciting presentations have been planned for this spring, scheduled for the first Saturday of March, April and May. All three free programs will be held at the Big Table Ranch, a new local event center, at 5586 Greeley Hill Road from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. On March 3, Scott Carpenter, Yosemite National Park archaeologist and Branch Chief of Cultural Resources, will present a fascinating picture of plant, animal and human life in our vicinity as it was some 4,000 years ago. On April 7, Julia Parker, former Cultural Specialist for Yosemite National Park, will demonstrate her basket-making techniques, share her captivating personal history and, along with other members of her family will also share native songs, crafts and dance. Then on May 5, Linda Tiegland Clark will share true yarns about Gold Rush era folks who fill the pages of local history. All three programs will include period music performed by local musicians and conclude with refreshments. Donations are always appreciated.

Check out what’s happening at the museum on the “Northern Mariposa County History Center” Facebook page. Also, make plans to come enjoy the Center’s Community Breakfasts offered on the second Sunday of every month at the Coulterville Old Schoolhouse, at the corner of Cemetery and Broadway streets from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.